A system including sensors to sense predefined measurable elements associated with a portion or portions of a utilized width currently engaged in harvesting on and relative to a harvesting mechanism while a harvester traverses a crop field and to output a signal or to adjust an operational characteristic of the harvester or the harvesting mechanism. The system may be configured to sense predefined measurable elements relative to a single crop row or single crop plant of utilized width. The system can be configured to sense predefined measurable elements at a distance between about five feet behind and ten feet in front of the harvesting mechanism. The system may implement a method generally comprising the steps of sensing the predefined measurable element, storing a crop-related data value, and associating the crop-related data value with a time-related data value to adjust the operational characteristics of the harvesting mechanism.
